As we get close to Nashville’s two long-running mainstream film festivals, the Nashville Film Festival in September and the International Black Festival in October, let’s celebrate a cool independent film festival. It’s going into its second decade and is only getting better.
Defy Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed in 2016 with the goal of bringing bold and extraordinary cinematic work from around the world to East Nashville. The festival celebrates unconventional films made by filmmakers who want to defy traditions and expectations.
The festival is driven by the desire to bring unknown talent from around the world to Nashville audiences that are looking for a unique cinematic experience. Defy puts the work and the artist above all else. All great art is a disruption.
You should join the fun and attend Defy August 21 – 23, and enjoy dozens of defiant films from all over the world, along with the creative and wonderful folks the festival brings to Nashville.
The festival begins with a first – ever Festival Kickoff Party on Thursday, August 21st, from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM at the Center615 Main Street Gallery, featuring a film screening with some favorite films from the past ten years, followed by a special performance by Sarah Saturday (Gardening, Not Architecture) of her multimedia musical Voyage: A Live Visual Album, featuring several short films directed by Defy’s own Dycee Wildman. Your Defy Pass gets you into the Kickoff Party for free. General Admission tickets are $15.
This festival has an age limit of 18+ up for films due to graphic content. And of course, you must be 21+ to purchase or consume alcohol. Please note that they will be checking IDs at the door. Defy will have fresh-popped popcorn and other concessions (candy bars, chips, nuts, waters, etc.) all weekend. A food truck will be on site Saturday evening for anyone who wants to grab a meal between screenings.
Note that the Festival events are all at Studio615 in East Nashville on Friday and Saturday. Find out how to get daily or weekend passes, along with details about the films and schedules, and other parties and activities throughout the weekend, including Saturday’s Cali Sober Presents: Jazzy Afterparty and Defy’s 10 Year Birthday Party, at the festival website: defyfilmfestival.com
I am especially looking forward to the festival – closing banger that comes straight out of the deep annals of Nashville lore. The subject is Chris Crofton, whom I have known for decades…. A once-in-a-lifetime musical and comedic genius just waiting to be discovered. And waiting… waiting… I mean, there’s only so much one man can take, right?! CHRIS CROFTON : NASHVILLE FAMOUS (with opening short film: TAKE ME DRUNK I’M HOME) is Saturday August 23, 9:00 PM – 10:15 PM in the Main Theatre. See you there!
BONUS ARTS NOTE: RSVP NOW!! FREE EVENT!!
OZ Arts 2025 – 26 Season Preview Happy Hour, Tuesday, September 9 at OZ Arts, 5:30 – 7:00 PM Enjoy a free Season Preview Happy Hour with Executive & Artistic Director Mark Murphy. There will be complimentary drinks and light bites, you can meet fellow arts lovers, and get the inside scoop on the 2025-26 performance lineup. See you there!
